Defense loaded with confidence after yet another strong preseason showing

ARLINGTON – The Cowboys’ starting defense enjoyed a third-straight strong outing, helping the team forge a 20-6 halftime cushion after holding Sam Bradford to only 64 passing yards on 6-of-17 accuracy and a 47.2 rating.

Struggling to move the ball against a variety of looks engineered by defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, the only scores the Rams could muster were a pair of 50-yard plus field goals, the first points Dallas’ first-team defense has allowed this preseason.

“We are very confident,” cornerback Brandon Carr said. “We have a lot of pride in what we do. It means a lot to us even thought it’s preseason to go out there and not give up a touchdown in three games. Like I said before, hopefully that carries over to Sept. 5, when it’s time to play for regular season wins and losses.”

Linebacker Sean Lee and end Jason Hatcher sacked Bradford, but first-round cornerback Morris Claiborne delivered the play of the night for the defense when he broke up a pass at the back of the end zone on fourth and goal from the five.

“It just shows we have different guys trying to get pressure and it also shows Coach Ryan’s pressure is really showing through,” Lee said. “He’s an extremely smart coach. The guy can dial up the pressure and we’ve learned a lot from him. It’s fun to play for him and get pressure.”